Ahmad Lai presenting an incentive to one of the recipients.
MIRI: Reducing going to the middleman will maximise return from their catches, Sibuti Member of Parliament Ahmad Lai Bujang advised fishermen in the division yesterday.
Addressing the fishermen during annual general meeting of Miri Area Fishermen Association (PNK Miri) held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here yesterday, he said, “In this context, it is better for fisherman themselves be the fish monger or selling their catches themselves rather than going to middleman. You will gain more profit as middleman sell at a much higher price to customers.”
As such, Ahmad Lai said the association ought to have own assets such as market or stalls including buildings particularly shop houses and processing centres to benefit fishermen and help them to gain more profit from their activities.
“If they operate their own stalls or market they don’t have to go to middlemen. They can also process products such as fish balls and snacks – keropok (fish crackers) through processing centres and factories,” he added.
Commending the association for owning a building, the MP said the building is their asset for them to generate income for the association and members through corporative where they get dividends and other benefits.
According to Ahmad Lai, the association and fishermen had benefited in their investment through the building where they rent out some sections of the building and using only second floor of the building for the association’s administration.
Apart from that, the association must also be active in organising activities and programmes that benefit both members and fishermen community.
In order to develop and bring changes to their community through the association, Ahmad Lai cautioned PNK Miri to be sound in every aspect of management and administration in their assets. During the launching of the meeting the association presented incentives to 21 children of members who excel in public examinations.
In this context, he reminded them to emphasise on the education of their children. “The children are your asset that will bring changes to not only themselves but also to the family. As such you must emphasise on the education of your children.”
Ahmad Lai also reminded them to cooperate and support the activities and programmes of government’s agencies and bodies.
They also must grab and know every opportunity made available by the government including private sectors to bring development, changes and progress to their families and community in general.
Also present were PNK – Miri Counselor Jamali Basri and director of Malaysia Fisheries Development Board (LKIM), Abdul Razak Ahmad.